Brandon Armstrong, a seasoned professional dancer, has become a prominent figure on Dancing with the Stars. Partnering with celebrities each season, Brandon brings his expertise and passion for ballroom to the dance floor, captivating audiences and judges alike. In Season 33, Brandon teamed up with actress Chandler Kinney, creating a dynamic duo that has not only impressed with their performances but also sparked important conversations about representation in ballroom dance. This article delves into their journey, exploring the highlights of their partnership, the challenges they faced, and the significant impact of their presence on the show.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong in elegant dance attire
Dancing with the Stars is renowned for pairing celebrities with professional ballroom dancers to compete in choreographed routines. Judged by experts like Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, the show blends entertainment with the art of dance. Brandon Armstrong’s participation adds a layer of professional polish and creative choreography to each season, making him a fan-favorite and a respected figure within the Dancing with the Stars community.
Before their rehearsals, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong shared insights into their partnership, their experiences with live performances, and their creative ideas for themed nights. Their conversation reveals the depth of their collaboration and the personal growth they experienced throughout their Dancing with the Stars journey.
Brandon Armstrong guiding Chandler Kinney during rehearsal
Memorable Performances and Personal Growth with Brandon on Dancing with the Stars
Reflecting on their time together on Dancing with the Stars, Chandler Kinney highlighted the Paso Doble during Disney night as a particularly rewarding experience. This performance was not just another dance; it was a synergy of Chandler reprising a character, dancing to a song she had previously sung, and showcasing her capabilities on a new platform. The Paso Doble week was a turning point, filled with pressure and self-doubt, but ultimately became a moment of triumph. Chandler explained, “I think I learned a lot through that week, which honestly, personally, was one of my toughest weeks because I felt on some level that I had something to prove, not only to people watching but then also to myself… I was able to emerge from that week proud because I proved that I am capable and I do know what I’m made of.”
Brandon Armstrong echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the challenging nature of maintaining consistency throughout the demanding season. He noted the Paso Doble as a pivotal moment for Chandler to regain her footing and momentum. “I think it’s just anytime that you can — the thing about the show is… it’s all about the ups and the downs, and the hardest part of the show is not getting up from the downs, but it’s maintaining the ups,” Brandon stated, recognizing the Paso Doble as a crucial moment in their journey on Dancing with the Stars.
Pushing Boundaries and Learning Beyond Dance with Brandon Armstrong
Beyond the technical aspects of dance, Chandler Kinney emphasized the valuable life lessons learned from Brandon Armstrong, particularly the concept of “pushing my ceiling.” Brandon’s encouragement helped Chandler, a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist, to understand that personal best is not a fixed point but a constantly evolving potential. “Brandon has really helped me learn that there’s so much in the process of a thing and your best on Monday may not be the best thing that you can achieve on a Friday,” Chandler shared, highlighting the broader applicability of this lesson beyond Dancing with the Stars.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong sharing a lighthearted moment
Brandon elaborated on this idea of continuous evolution, contrasting it with a mentality of complacency. He stressed the importance of constantly striving for improvement, both in dance and in life. “You can be who you are on Monday, but on Tuesday, you need to be 105% of that, then on Wednesday, you need to be 110% and if you can constantly evolve like that, by the time you are 60, 70 years old, you’re pleased with the product that you have progressed to,” Brandon articulated, underscoring the philosophy he brought to his partnership with Chandler on Dancing with the Stars.
Building Trust Under Pressure: Live Performances and Last-Minute Changes
The high-stakes environment of Dancing with the Stars, with its live performances and intense weekly preparations, inherently demands a strong level of trust between partners. Brandon Armstrong recounted a specific instance during their Viennese Waltz performance where he drastically changed a significant portion of their choreography at the last minute. “I changed probably conservatively 50% of our dance Sunday night for Viennese waltz,” Brandon admitted, emphasizing the immense trust he placed in Chandler’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure. He recognized Chandler’s exceptional ability to rise to the occasion, stating she “has the ability to turn it on and sell water to the ocean.”
Chandler reciprocated this sentiment, recalling a moment during their week five lift that went awry. Despite the mishap, Brandon’s professionalism prevented any major error, further solidifying her trust in him. “Brandon didn’t drop me when we botched our lift in week five,” Chandler chuckled, appreciating Brandon’s composure and skill in a live performance setting. These moments of unexpected challenges and successful recoveries highlighted the deep trust forged between Chandler and Brandon throughout their Dancing with the Stars journey.
Brandon Armstrong and Chandler Kinney performing a dynamic routine
The Thrill and Challenge of Live Performances on Dancing with the Stars
The live show format of Dancing with the Stars presents a unique set of challenges and thrills. For Chandler Kinney, accustomed to the multiple takes allowed in acting, the one-shot nature of live dance performance was initially daunting. “As an actor, I walk in knowing that I will have multiple opportunities to do what I want to do… This is one go. If you stumble, if you fumble, there’s no calling cut,” Chandler explained, highlighting the pressure of performing live for a large audience and judges. However, she also acknowledged the “specific magic” inherent in live performance, an unrepeatable energy that makes each show uniquely captivating.
Brandon, on the other hand, thrived under pressure. Describing himself as a “game day kid,” Brandon embraced the adrenaline and heightened stakes of live performance. “I love a little pressure… I think it makes you perform the best,” Brandon stated, viewing the live show environment as an exhilarating and addictive aspect of Dancing with the Stars. He appreciated the edge it provided, pushing performers to reach their peak potential in a single, unrepeatable moment.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong in vibrant costumes on stage
Representation and Diversity in Ballroom Dance: Brandon Armstrong’s Perspective
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong’s partnership on Dancing with the Stars marked a significant milestone in representation. They progressed further than any other Black dancing couple in the show’s history, a fact that Chandler found both exciting and somewhat disheartening given the year and the show’s long run. Brandon, reflecting on his own journey in ballroom dance, shared his perspective on representation and accessibility. He recounted his early experiences in ballroom competitions where he was often one of very few Black participants. “The percentage chances of me being here are slim to none, right? And so, the fact that I am here, the fact that I am Black, I think it adds that,” Brandon acknowledged, recognizing the symbolic importance of his presence on Dancing with the Stars.
However, Brandon also emphasized the need for nuanced conversations about representation, particularly regarding access to ballroom dance within diverse communities. He clarified that his own background, while breaking barriers, also involved access and support that is not universally available. “I don’t represent the African American kid from Crenshaw Heights, South Side Chicago, Philadelphia, or blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I don’t represent them. I want to and that’s why I’m going to work to bring this style and this art to those communities,” Brandon passionately stated, advocating for increased accessibility to ballroom dance for underrepresented communities. He hopes to inspire a future where the ballroom dance community reflects a broader spectrum of diversity.
Brandon Armstrong and Chandler Kinney in a powerful pose
Themed Night Ideas: Envisioning Future Dancing with the Stars Concepts
Looking towards the future of Dancing with the Stars, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong brainstormed creative themed night ideas. Brandon proposed a “West Coast versus East Coast music night,” envisioning a musical face-off with team-based immunity challenges. He also mentioned his wife’s suggestion of a Bridgerton-themed night, complete with string quartet arrangements and period costumes. “String versions of all the songs… Dressing up as the ballroom,” Brandon suggested, picturing an elegant and visually stunning theme.
Chandler offered another intriguing concept: a Viennese Waltz night where all couples perform the same style, emphasizing a level playing field and showcasing the nuances within a single dance form. “It would be so cool if we all just did like Viennese waltz too and then it’s just like an even competition because everyone’s doing the exact same style,” Chandler proposed, imagining a sophisticated and technically focused evening. These creative themed night ideas demonstrate their passion for innovation and their desire to continually enhance the Dancing with the Stars experience for both performers and viewers.
